The story of an hour analysis essay. The Main Themes of The Story of an Hour: [Essay Example], 557 words GradesFixer 2022-10-15
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"The Story of an Hour" is a short story written by Kate Chopin in 1894. It tells the story of a woman named Louise Mallard who receives the news that her husband, Brently Mallard, has died in a train accident. At first, Louise is overwhelmed with grief and retreats to her room to be alone. However, as she sits and reflects on her feelings, she begins to realize that she is actually relieved by her husband's death.
One of the central themes of the story is the idea of freedom and independence. Louise has been trapped in a loveless marriage and has always been controlled by her husband. His death gives her the opportunity to finally be free and to live her own life on her own terms. This is reflected in the passage where Louise says, "There would be no one to live for during those coming years; she would live for herself. There would be no powerful will bending hers in that blind persistence with which men and women believe they have a right to impose a private will upon a fellow-creature" (Chopin).
This theme is further developed through the use of imagery and symbolism in the story. The open window and the spring weather represent the new possibilities and freedoms that are available to Louise now that her husband is gone. The description of the "delicious breath of rain" and the "new spring life" also symbolize the renewal and rejuvenation that Louise experiences as she breaks free from the constraints of her marriage.
Another important theme in the story is the societal expectations and roles placed on women in the late 19th century. Louise's husband is presented as a controlling and dominant figure, and her role is to be a devoted and obedient wife. When she realizes the freedom that his death gives her, she is able to break free from these expectations and claim her own identity.
In conclusion, "The Story of an Hour" is a powerful and poignant portrayal of a woman's struggle for independence and freedom in a society that heavily restricted the roles and freedoms of women. Through the use of imagery and symbolism, Chopin effectively illustrates the theme of freedom and the societal expectations placed on women. This story is a reminder of the importance of individual identity and the need to break free from the constraints of society in order to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Setting Analysis of the Story of an Hour Essay Example
With her use of personification, Chopin allows the reader to better understand what Mrs Mallard looked like, while keeping her physique vague and without going into too much detail. She suddenly realized how oppressed she was with her husband. An hour later the prisoner is put in handcuffs and taken back to his cell where he is reminded he will be for life. Women nowadays are more exposed to activities men do, and they have the legal right to do the same. It is at this point that the story takes a strange twist. Therefore, it was normal to suppress any negative feelings towards a husband or own position in marriage and society.
She explains of a feeling the main character feels approaching. As we stroll through the short paragraphs we see how this feeling of joy becomes greater as she expresses it more through her body, mind, and her words. Use discount Or did she? All of her newfound liberty and dreams came crashing down at that moment. Mallard really feels about her …show more content… Men had much more freedom than women in the 1890s and the gap in gender roles was significant. Before that, women enjoyed much fewer rights than men and occupied a lower, subordinate position in society. Mallard is presented as a weak woman because she is a heart patient and everyone feels that she may not be able to bear the news of her husband's death. Louis enjoys sounds of life and sees her in the spanking atmosphere.
The Main Themes of The Story of an Hour: [Essay Example], 557 words GradesFixer
As she was contemplating her fate, instead of grief, she began realizing that this is the beginning of a better part of her life. Into this, she sank, pressed down by a physical exhaustion that haunted her body and seemed to reach into her soul. Mallard died from the suprising news. In the fifth paragraph Chopin emphasises the feelings of comfort and security even more, and creates more details and fresh elements for the new and positive turn in the story. The view through that window, which is described in great, fervent detail, became a source of great agony as well as great comfort. This hour, spent in a comfortable armchair in front of an open window, made her feel happy and free, and made her understand the sense of her being, and it was the only real hour of her life.
The following, which is excerpted from the story, clearly paints a peaceful picture as Mrs. In addition, misinterpretations of words and actions of the main characters appeared to be a result of difference between people. However, as it became apparent from the story, he never valued her. Although Bentley was always good to her, she can now have a life of her own without feeling oppressed. Chopin prepared the main culmination right at the end, in the three final paragraphs.
Mallard underwent changes from depressed to an elated state of emotion. The first example of irony is when Mrs. These extreme circumstances have let Mrs. Apart from sorrow, she started counting the better part of her life without her husband. .
Kate Chopins description of what the main character feels and sees shows us how this is possible. She fails to understand that affection and love are essential components of a happy marriage and a key of good relation between men and women. The world outside of her own bedroom is only minimally described, but the world inside of her mind is lively and well described by the narrator. I am not making myself ill. She went to one room and locked herself alone to ponder what the death of her husband brought to her life. Richard and Louise are also sorry for the loss Taibah 1.
Situational irony is used to show the reader that something that is not expected happens in the plot. The notes of a distant song which someone was singing reached her faintly and countless sparrows were twittering in the eaves. Louise Mallard is an elderly woman who has an ill heart. Although, if one truly analyzes then we figured that she died because of the shock of knowing she would lose her independence. Mallard but on the other hand, counts beyond the bitter moments and sees freedom laid down for her for the rest of her life.
She whispers free, free, free. This is why after careful review of the text I am convinced that Louises reaction to seeing her husband was still alive, was complete disappointment rather than joy. Mallard is afflicted with heart trouble, implying she is weak, both physically and emotionally. Louise Mallard cries and mourns her husbands death but in the back of her mind, she is thinking she will finally be free. Pastan chooses the order of people that she gets approvals from to show that at first the husband, who may be unconcerned at times, reacted.
Though Louise loved her husband, Louise thought with her husband dead, she would be free from his chains. A kind intention or a cruel intention made the act seem no less a crime. Learn More Her feelings were mixed up. This statement is ironic because she did not die because of the happiness of seeing her allegedly dead husband alive. Norderstedt Germany: GRIN Verlag, 2004.
